Article In: Terminology: Online-First Articles
Toward human-centered AI-assisted terminology work
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Abstract
Generative AI is likely to transform terminology work by creating new opportunities for automation. At the same time, it raises concerns about the future of terminologists and terminological resources, as efficiency pressures may encourage excessive automation based on the perception that human expertise can be replaced by AI. However, large language models remain unreliable for terminological purposes due to errors, hallucinations, and various forms of bias, making terminologists indispensable for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of terminological data. This paper argues that human-centered AI, an approach that emphasizes that AI’s primary goal should be to contribute to human well-being, provides a framework for maximizing the benefits of generative AI while mitigating its risks. It contends that high levels of automation and meaningful human control are compatible and desirable, and that AI should enhance terminologists’ capabilities while preserving their agency and decision-making authority. The implications of AI-assisted terminology work are examined through three interrelated dimensions: the augmented terminologist, ethical AI, and human-centered design. In particular, the paper addresses how AI integration reshapes the role of the terminologist, affects professional values and working conditions, requires the management of AI-generated bias, and calls for the design of AI tools around the terminologist’s needs. The paper concludes that a human-centered orientation is necessary to ensure that AI strengthens, rather than undermines, the essential role of terminology work in supporting specialized communication and the accurate transmission of knowledge across languages and cultures.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Human-centered artificial intelligence
- 3.Human-centeredness in translation
- 4.Human-centered AI-assisted terminology work
- 4.1The augmented terminologist
- 4.1.1High Levels of automation with strong human control
- 4.1.2Emulation vs. empowerment
- 4.1.3AI literacy and new skills
- 4.2Ethical AI
- 4.2.1The terminologist’s values
- 4.2.2Bias
- Linguistic Bias
- Temporal Bias
- Cultural Bias
- Epistemic Bias
- Social Bias
- Bias mitigation
- 4.3Human-centered design
- 4.1The augmented terminologist
- 5.Conclusions
- Acknowledgements
- Notes
References
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